Moore to start against Russians

Stephen Moore will start at hooker for the Wallabies who take on Russia in their final pool game of the 2012 Rugby World Cup on Saturday.

It will be the first time Australia has ever faced a Russian opponent and Head Coach Robbie Deans has assembled an interesting lineup for the encounter.

Former Brumby and current Reds back-rower Radke Samo has been picked on the wing, with three halfbacks and three hookers also earning selection.

Moore came from the bench during Australia’s last hitout against the USA having missed the previous match with Ireland through illness.

While Australia looks most likely to finish second in its pool should the campaign against the Russians be successful, an Italian victory this weekend over Ireland would see the Wallabies clinch first place.

Fellow Brumbies Ben Alexander and Patrick McCabe will not feature in the match. Alexander is being rested, while McCabe suffered a dislocated shoulder against the USA.